I do have quite the love for Maya Romanoff. The firm produces beautiful wallcoverings — in fact, they call them Extraordinary Surfacing Materials. I like Mr. Romanoff’s philosophy when it comes to his craft: “It has to be beautiful, that’s the only thing that really counts.” It feels like something to remember each time you approach a client’s samples or finishes — that no matter what the budget or the situation, we must all strive to leave the very best of our creative self in that space.
Mr. Romanoff started off experimenting with tie-dyes and with the latest collection (designed by Amy Lau) the company comes full circle for their 40th anniversary. Here is a pic, by photographer Kris Tamburello, of a recent installation in Bergdorf Goodman (New York).
To see a video focusing on the uber-creative icon, click here and there’s also a recent Chicago Tribune profile to read. If you look around the company site, I bet you will find textures that will make your design genes do the happy dance. Here’s a peek at the current catalog, featuring the tie-dye creations. Anytime I feel a twinge of “can’t-think-of-anything-new”, one of the things I love to do is just have a cup of coffee and look through online sites of fabrics and papers. In such a relaxed environment, the creative juices start flowing and inevitably something will serve as an inspirational springboard into something new. Hope you’ve enjoyed this Maya Romanoff moment — and let me know what you do to get out of a creative slump!
In the previous post, I wrote about the gilding along walls and ceilings of a restaurant in Lyon’s Hotel Sofitel Bellecour. Well, that project has another area that I thought was wonderful and may provide a bit of inspiration for the right client. The walls are covered in custom woven silk and I love how the large graphic prints go right over the jib door seamlessly…
…and how both the design and color changes with a nice flow from one to the next…
…and finally, how the different elements give an illusion of an allover pattern, but it is not that structured…
Lyon, France has a wonderful silk-weaving past, producing beautiful brocades and jacquards. The designer, Patrick Norguet, found a local manufacturer (one of the few left) who was established in 1680. Although modernized, they still create work on wooden looms. He immersed himself in their archives and came up with his own mix of historic patterns for the hotel walls. What creativity! The photos are by Renaud Callebaut and you can read the entire feature, along with viewing some additional images of the hotel, in the January 2010 issue of Interior Design. Have a wonderful weekend!
Gilding is a beautiful art form — and one of the most ancient. It is a decorative technique that involves applying very slim sheets of metallic leaf (or, powders) onto a surface, hence why most gilded finishes are recognizable by a traditional square pattern. (Although I once saw a rectangular “brick” placement in a restaurant ceiling. Very, very nice.) You can also hear the term “gold leafing” used to describe the technique as well. The organization, Society of Gilders, has one of the best sites to obtain information, access visuals, understand the different disciplines within the art form and familiarize yourself with the extraordinary artisans who work with these precious materials. I encourage you to review their website with a nice cup of coffee and a bit of leisure time.
We’ve had quite a few leafing commissions (you’ve seen our latest, the silver leafed dome) but one of our favorites was done for the home of a designer we work with. Here is her formal living room ceiling, close-up and full view. The full view showcases the tri-color neutral Venetian plaster on the walls and the glossy black coat we put on all the trim.
I’ve also found some other images — if you know the artisans, please let me know so I can credit them. On the left, is gilded trimwork and the pic on the right features Common Ground’s Prince George Neo-Renaissance ballroom. For more pics of the ballroom, click here — it must have been incredible to work on the restoration!
Previously featured in Florida Design, are a gorgeous piece of Henredon furniture (left) and artwork (right)…
On the left is an entryway designed by the ubiquitous Barbara Barry and on the right is an entrance hallway designed by Alfred Karram and featured in Florida Design. He noted on the article that the ceiling “creates a striking sense of arrival”. Mmm-hmmm.
…and finally, Les Trois Domes, the penthouse restaurant in the Hotel Sofitel Bellecour in Lyon, France, has molded plaster that has been silver leafed. Striking! The design is by Studio Norguet, the photography by Renaud Callebaut and the feature is from Interior Design magazine.
Both true gold and other metal alloys are used in the creation of these thin sheets — and some are created to be edible. Although metallic paints are beautiful, they do not come close to lustre of leaf so the choosing of which metallic products to use in a particular technique will depend on your desired final effect. Some of the most popular sources for leafing products are Sepp Leaf, Easy Leaf, The Gilded Planet and The Gold Leaf Company. Two teaching studios I hear good things about are the Lynne Rutter Studio (San Francisco, CA) and Cait Whitson’s Carte Blanche in Scotland. The previously-mentioned Society of Gilders site also has an Education page where you can find workshops listed by state.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief foray into gilding. Did I miss anything? I look forward to your comments…
Travel is one of the most satisfying pleasures in life. I haven’t done much of it recently, but hope to make up for it this year. In 2006, my sister, Suzanne, and I went to Italy — it’s one of those perfect memories that I will hold in my heart eternally. Thousands of pictures came out of that trip, but I did want to start with one that proved to be an immediate inspiration for a client’s home. (As always, please click on any pic to get a nice zoom close-up.)
Mantova (also called Mantua) is a city in Northern Italy. Suzy and I strolled the streets and we came upon this gem of a doorway (Left) and upon my return to the States, it inspired this entrance into our client’s wine cellar (Right).
Here are a few pics we took just by strolling around the streets of Mantova…
I remember arriving in Italy and upon check-in at our hotel in Verona, we immediately walked to a ristorante in a piazza to get our bearings. [Because great food and wine usually help, no? (nodding sagely)] I couldn’t get over the feeling that I was in the World Showcase in Orlando’s Epcot Center and it took a bit to start believing that all my surroundings were real and not a tourist destination created by artisans. What I find incredible is that while looking at all those distressed buildings, you realize that they were in full color at their zenith in time — incredible as they still are, THAT must have been quite the sight to see. Until next time!
I recently discovered a nice reference site which has pictures scanned From Old Books. The images run the gamut from alphabets to figures to borders — some of the book covers themselves have been uploaded. The site boasts over 2,500 high-resolution free images culled from over 160 different, old or rare books. It takes a bit to navigate the site but once you spend some time with their search engine, you will find a nice amount of reference shots to gain inspiration from. (Although I do have to say, some of those older books have a decidedly sinister slant…) I hope you enjoy the site. Here are a few images that I found — please be sure to click on them to get a closer zoom.
P.S. By the way, if you like that marbled book cover, you must check out Theresa Cheek’s The Art of Ebru post on her Art’s the Answer! blog. Sublime!
Today is Superbowl Sunday — they day where it’s all about super bowls in interior design. I found some beautiful “bowl” images for us to look at and of course, they feature decor that might inspire the artisan in each of us. Enjoy!
Let’s start with beautiful mosaics.
A bit of distressing, both elegant and whimsical…
Beautiful blues…
Cozy jewel tones…
All along the walls…
…and finally, some gorgeous neutrals.
Images culled from Harrison Mann, The Complete Book of Paint, Painted House’s Kitchens & Baths, Tile Style Pattern Guide, Phoenix Home & Garden, Modern Glamour and Paris Interiors.
Now, what’s this I hear about some big game?
It’s that time of year again — finding out what the major color associations are predicting will be the biggest colors of the year in home merchandising and design! This year, I reported on the 2010 Color Trends for the Home Workshop blog. This past December, I did quickly post about Pantone’s choice but make sure you click on over to Home Workshop for the full report, which includes additional color predictions by the Paint Quality Institute and the Color Marketing Group. BTW, how did last year’s Color Trends prove for you? Mimosa, the beautiful bright yellow, was supposed to be a big color…
I was strolling along the beautiful shops in Savannah, when I spied this gorgeous book in the Mercer House gift shop. Alas, it was their only copy and not for sale. Blasphemy! I wanted to review the book before I plunked down good monies, so I came home to Orlando and had an interlibrary loan set up via my local library. (The loan arrived all the way from the University of Alabama!)
Regency Redux focuses on one of the most sophisticated moments in design history: the Regency period in England. Written by design historian Emily Evans Eerdmans and published by Rizzoli, the book also delves into modern interpretations of the Regency style, including influences brought upon by French and American designers. It starts with an introduction to the original Regency period, moves into the Neoclassical timeline and then delves into the stylized interiors of the 1930’s and also into how Hollywood made use of the style in lavish movie sets. There are sumptuous photographs in both color and black & white. Additionally, there is a foreword by designer Kelly Wearstler, herself a lover of glamour, excitement and dramatic luxury. What’s not to love?
Please be sure to click on the pictures to get a larger zoom version.
(Below) On the left, the Music Room at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. It features 26,000 hand-gilded cockleshells applied to the domed ceiling. (Whoa…) On the right, The Platinum Room in Spain’s La Casita del Labrador.
(Below) On the left, a modern living space featuring what looks like an unusual plaster finish on the walls. (LOVE!) On the right, Eltham Palace with its strong Art Deco influence. BTW, if you’d like to read more about greek key origins, click here.
Who wouldn’t love to just be an extra alongside Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers in Roberta? Just the dresses alone…I think I’ll start posing like that daily…
(Below) On the left, Marble Hall at Kedleston Hall. Roman baths were the inspiration for the space. On the right, the inimitable work of Rex Whistler.
A peek into scenic wall drawings…
Needless to say, I’ve already ordered my own copy. (I also seriously think that the Rizzoli publishing house can just back up their trucks right to my front lawn. I just want all their books. Every single one. I’ll find space.) I hope I’ve inspired you to look into Regency Redux and plan a little glamour of your own for 2010. Also, be sure to check out the lovely design blog of the author, Emily Evans Eerdmans. Until next time!
Recently, I became aware of a trip to Lebanon that was undertaken by artisan Rima Bechara, of Massachusett’s Walls & More. Of course, I was completely intrigued and was elated when she agreed to share some of her story and pictures. Yay for us!
Lebanon is in Western Asia and bordered by Syria, Israel and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s capital is Beirut and the official languages are both Arabic and French. Rima explains her background, “I was born in Beirut but because of political and religious unrest my father moved my family to England when I was 8 years old. We used to visit most summers since we still had family there. I met my husband at school in Manchester, England, and he, too, was born in Beirut. We go back every few years with our girls, because we want them to remember their culture and the rich heritage that Lebanon has. Unfortunately, the media shows only the extremes of Lebanese fighting or in the alternate, its place as one of the world’s party places. The Lebanese are very hospitable and kind people. If it were not for the political and religious problems, Lebanon would be a paradise.“
She continues, “As far as design, almost every space seems to be made from stone and marble. The buildings and high rises are all steel and concrete. The internal walls are very thick with absolutely no wallpaper. Most homes are still into white walls because the furniture in those rooms is very ornate. There are no wooden floors and the ceilings are plaster. The rooms are huge and there are lots of balconies.”
Here’s the lovely Rima and her family…
Rima was particularly fascinated by the Palace of Beiteddine. She explains, “It took about 30 years to complete and the best craftsmen from Damascus, Aleppo and Italy were invited and given the freedom to create. It’s style is a cross between traditional Arab and Italian baroque. The walls and ceilings are covered in intricately carved and painted wood, embellished with Arab calligraphy. The palace is the summer residence of the President.”
Baalbek, one of Lebanon’s greatest treasures, can be counted among the wonders of the ancient world. It is one of the largest and best preserved Roman temples ever built.
A bit more of the architecture and artworks around Lebanon.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our virtual trip to the beautiful country of Lebanon. Thank you, Rima, for sharing all your wonderful information, insights and photographs! Please do visit her website if you have a moment. Until next time, dear Reader!
I enjoy working with designers and have a great relationship with those I currently collaborate with. It seems they always have a clear vision of the grand design scheme and usually provide me with strong guidance on finishes and colors. I’m not afraid to admit that our firm has been pushed creatively by designers and we have produced some of our best work because of it. Amazing what happens when you expand and step out of your comfort zone!
As much as I love the classic design greats (i.e., Tony Duquette, Albert Hadley) and the mega-wattage powerhouses of today (i.e., Kelly Wearstler, Michael Smith), I always like to keep abreast of who are the new up-and-coming designers — I so love fresh designs, new takes and emerging talent.
To wit, House Beautiful had an annual tradition called Next Wave, where they profile the (ahem) “next wave” of designers to watch. The last one was in 2004-2005 (so maybe, not so annual) and they’ve put together a fantastic list yet again! Check out the designers here…and maybe one is near your area? Oh, the possibilities…
